Implant Location
Many research studies suggest that a breast implant placed beneath the pectoralis major muscle lowers the chance of the implant becoming firm over time. Therefore, most doctors place breast implants under the muscle. Studies suggest that the constant movement of the pectoralis major muscle affects the occurrence capsular contracture. Despite this, some surgeons advocate placing the implants over the muscle as the slight decreased rate of capsular contracture associated with going under the pectoralis may not be worth potential side effects such as thinning or weakening of the muscle and animation deformity.
Manual massage
The best way to treating a potential medical problem or illness is always prevention. While textured breast implants depend on tissue growth to minimize capsular contracture, smooth implants remain soft by moving freely in a loose pocket. A doctor inserts breast implants in a pocket that is intentionally loose, allowing the breast implant to move within the pocket. Therefore, when a patient lies down the breast implants are able to shift to the outside of the pocket and resemble the movement of natural breasts. The loose pocket also ensures that the breasts bounce naturally. To maintain a loose pocket after surgery, plastic surgeons recommend routine massage of the implants in order to stretch out the capsule. Patients should perform breast massages at least twice per day beginning approximately two weeks after surgery. If performed too early, massaging the implants could cause unwanted bleeding around the implant. Starting to massage the implants too late after breast implant surgery may have no effect on capsular contraction.
Medications
Patients who take Accolade or Singulair on an off-label basis after breast implant surgery may see a reduced incidence of capsular contracture. However, no research studies prove the efficacy of prophylactic treatment with these medications in preventing capsular contracture. There are only anecdotal reports that these medications help with capsular contracture.
